All-new Aston Martin V8 Vantage reveals its production form

The impending new-gen Aston Martin V8 Vantage has been showcased in its production body in these latest images released by the Gaydon-based carmaker. The British sports car resembles the DB10 Concept rather than the current flagship, The DB11, as was speculated earlier. 

The DB10 Concept’s inspiration can clearly be seen under the camouflage. A few leaked patent images of an Aston Martin from the Japanese patent office surfaced last month and those have now been confirmed to be strikingly accurate with this prototype.

The Aston Martin’s newly adopted grille (from the Vulcan) can be seen paired with an aggressive splitter. The headlights, although camouflaged, seemed to be scrounged directly from the DB10. The fender vent is something first seen on the DB11 and is expected to make its way on all future Aston Martins. The flared wheel arches lend the Vantage a sporty stance.

At the rear, the lip spoiler is flanked by the sleeker tail lights similar to the one seen on the current Vanquish. The Vanquish inspiration continues on the rear windscreen as well. The diffusers are a lot more prominent now, nicely shaped and done in gloss black with integrated exhaust tips. 

As far as powertrain is concerned, the new Vantage will be the second vehicle to benefit from Aston Martin’s partnership with Mercedes-AMG, after the DB11 V8. The same 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 built by Mercedes-AMG for the AMG GT lineup will be reworked by Aston Martin. The power output will be around 500 bhp, enough to send the Vantage whizzing from standstill to a 100kmph in around four seconds. Aston Martin is expected to offer the new Vantage with a choice of either a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The new design of the current crop of Aston Martins is a departure from the one put down by lead designer Henrik Fisker many years ago. However, interestingly, the posterior of the car in these images seems to bear an uncanny resemblance to the Henrik Fisker’s EMotion electric sedan.

Aston Martin confirmed the new Vantage V8 is due this year, with a V12 version joining it sometime next year. The new AMR performance version is also on the card, but that will come later. Aston Martin is planning a model offensive that includes a new car every year, seven of which will be arriving by 2023. The British marque has confirmed the launch of its first SUV, the DBX, by 2019, followed by an unnamed mid-engine supercar in 2020. Before that, the Vantage and the DB11 Volante are in the pipeline to be launched first.